Simon: Our work has been leading to this

Simon Mignolet is poised and prepared to kick off Liverpool's new season with three points after explaining why the clash with Southampton has been the primary aim of the club's summer work.

The Reds criss-crossed Europe and America in pre-season, including five friendly encounters of the highest quality in the United States, and a comeback home fixture against Borussia Dortmund.

In between games, the warm weather and double training sessions initially at Melwood and later on the other side of the Atlantic helped Brendan Rodgers' players to reach optimal fitness.

Now all of that work is done and attention switches to the visit of the Saints today and the chance to start the campaign on a high - something that has preoccupied Mignolet and co for weeks.

"Before the season starts, everybody is raring to go after a pre-season tour that was really good," the Belgian goalkeeper told Liverpoolfc.com as the latest training session ended.

"But they were all friendlies and it's something different once you get started. Everybody is looking forward to starting the season this Sunday against Southampton.

"The whole pre-season is just about getting fit for the first game of the season. Everybody knew it was Southampton so at the back of your mind you're always preparing every single day to make sure you're ready when that game comes.

"The fans are also ready to go again after last season and looking forward to it. There'll also be the new experience of European nights at Anfield this season; as always, the supporters will be up for it and behind us throughout."